Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Holding Corporations Accountable for Sex Trafficking

The enslavement of women (and even men) for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a horrific crime that is pervasive across the globe. While most people assume that sex trafficking mainly occurs in third world countries, it is highly prevalent in the United States. It is estimated that 199,000 incidents occur within the United States every year. And within the U.S., California has one of the highest rates of sex trafficking in the country.

Sex trafficking victims generally include:

  • Women who live at or below the poverty level
  • Women from underdeveloped countries
  • People who are recent immigrants to the United States
  • Women who suffer from substance abuse
  • Girls who are runaways
  • Women who are victims of domestic violence
  • Girls who are part of the foster care system

Federal law defines sex trafficking as the purchasing or offering of sex for money through force or through the exploitation of minors and adults. California law defines sex trafficking as an act that involves compelling or coercing a person to engage in sex acts for money. Sex trafficking often includes violence, kidnapping and threats of bodily injury or death. If a minor is involved, any sexual act in California is deemed sex trafficking, even where coercion is not involved.

Sex trafficking has devastating, long-terms effects for victims, including PTSD, suicidal ideation, drug use and other long-term mental health problems. Sex trafficking may involve individual perpetrators, but there is almost always a coordinated effort with corporations who seek to profit from these vile acts.

While holding sex traffickers responsible for their crimes is often the primary goal, a movement is afoot to hold corporations such as hotels and transportation companies accountable for turning a blind eye to sex trafficking that occurs on their property.

A federal law was passed in 2003 that allows sex trafficking victims to recover civil damages from their traffickers and corporate accomplices in federal courts. That law is known as the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. Since the law’s enactment, victims have brought 458 cases in federal court, and trafficking victims have been awarded more than $250 million dollars in monetary damages.

Recently, victims have filed several lawsuits against major hotel chains, alleging that these hotels are complicit in allowing sex trafficking to occur on their premises. Approximately 80% of sex trafficking arrests are made in or around hotels, while the large percentage of other arrests occur at airports and bus stations. Therefore, these corporations have a responsibility to train their employees to identify sex trafficking victims and alert authorities of suspicious behavior.

California law mandates employee training in hotels and transportation facilities. When companies fail to properly train their employees, and sex trafficking occurs on their premises, these companies can be held liable for their failure to protect sex trafficking victims.

Employees in California are trained to be on the lookout for warning signs, such as guests checking in without luggage, paying in cash, or heavy foot traffic in and out of the same room. The question in each civil case always revolves around whether the company “knew or should have known” that sex trafficking occurred on their premises.

If it can be proven that a corporation failed in its duty to protect a sex trafficking victim, they may be required to compensate the victim for their physical pain, emotional pain, and any related loss of income. Victims in sex trafficking cases may also file a claim for punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers for their conduct.

If you or a loved one are the victim of sex trafficking, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer immediately to discuss your legal rights. Craig Charles Law has vast experience handling sex assault cases, and our team is here to assist victims every step of the way.

In addition to working with prosecutors to ensure the perpetrators are convicted for their crimes, we also fight zealously against companies to get each victim the maximum compensation allowable under the law. We work with a dedicated team of mental health professionals and medical doctors who are specifically trained to help victims recover from traumatic incidents. We ensure these professionals testify in court, prepare medical evaluations, and compile reports that identify and prove the traumatic events.

Most victims of sex trafficking live with fear, anxiety and sense of shame. Craig Charles Law is passionate about helping victims to overcome these obstacles, achieve justice and gain a sense of closure.

Craig Charles Law focuses solely on sex abuse and catastrophic injury cases. This focus allows us to give each client the individualized attention and care they deserve. Put your trust in us and allow us to get your life back on track. Give our office a call today for a free, highly confidential consultation: 424-343-0660.

Or submit a confidential, online evaluation and an attorney will respond to you within 24 hours.

Call Us Now

For confidential, no-cost case evaluation

(424) 343-0660
Confidential Case Review

Confidential Case Review

Fill out the form below for a complimentary case review or call (424) 343-0660